Rep. Mike Bost

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 998) is a symbolic House of Representatives commendation honoring President Trump, U.S. military/intelligence agencies, and Justice Department personnel for the alleged success of "Operation Absolute Resolve" in apprehending Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. It cites Maduro's charges (including narcoterrorism conspiracy) and the Maduro regime's alleged dismantling of Venezuelan democracy, state-sponsored drug trafficking, and human rights abuses. The resolution expresses support for Venezuela's democratic transition but contains no new policy, funding, or legal changes. As a procedural resolution, it does not directly affect any individuals or alter laws.

Maddy summaryHR 4782, the Local Farmers Feeding our Communities Act, establishes a USDA program to connect local farmers with food distribution networks. It requires eligible entities (like state agriculture agencies) to use funds to purchase unprocessed or minimally processed local foods from covered producers - including at least 25% from small-size, mid-size, beginning, or veteran farmers - while providing technical assistance for food safety and supply chains. The bill allocates $200 million annually (2026-2030) from the Commodity Credit Corporation, mandating 10% for Tribal governments and 1% per state before distributing remaining funds. This directly supports regional food security by boosting economic opportunities for local farmers and improving access to fresh, nutritious food through established distribution channels.

Maddy summaryHR 909, the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2025, modifies how funds from the False Claims Act are deposited into the Crime Victims Fund. It specifies that from 2025 through 2029, certain False Claims Act proceeds (specifically those for qui tam plaintiff payments and government damage reimbursements) cannot be deposited into the fund. This change directly affects the composition of the Crime Victims Fund by excluding these specific revenue streams during the specified period. The bill does not create new benefits or alter victim services; it only adjusts fund allocation rules for existing False Claims Act revenues.

Maddy summaryHR 6972 (Reporting Accountability and Abuse Prevention Act of 2026) requires health centers receiving federal funds under Title X (which supports family planning services) to comply with all state and local laws requiring reporting of child abuse, sexual abuse, intimate partner violence, and human trafficking. It mandates that these centers create written compliance plans, provide annual training for staff on reporting obligations and safety protocols, screen minors for potential abuse when presenting with STIs or pregnancy, and document all reports. Centers must maintain detailed records of minor patients and reports, and allow federal officials to review these records. Failure to comply can result in corrective action, repayment of funds, or a 36-month ban on future Title X funding for repeat violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic at 207 Hamilton Road in Bloomington, Illinois, as the "Andrew Jackson Smith Medal of Honor Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic." It honors Color Sergeant Andrew Jackson Smith, a Medal of Honor recipient from the Civil War, by naming the facility after him. The bill makes this name official for all federal references, including laws, maps, and documents. It is a commemorative resolution with no policy changes or new services.

Maddy summaryHR 4217, the VA COST SAVINGS Enhancements Act, requires the VA Secretary to identify Department of Veterans Affairs facilities that could save money over five years by using on-site medical waste treatment systems instead of sending waste off-site. The bill mandates the development of a uniform cost model comparing off-site contract costs to on-site system costs (including equipment costs spread over 10 years), and directs the installation of these systems at qualifying facilities. It applies directly to VA medical facilities nationwide and specifies no new funding will be provided - existing resources must cover implementation. The law focuses on operational cost savings through standardized waste management practices at VA facilities.

Maddy summaryHR 472, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025, creates new disciplinary procedures for VA supervisors and management officials. It requires the VA Secretary to consider specific factors like the seriousness of misconduct and the employee's role when deciding on removal, demotion, or suspension, and limits the entire disciplinary process to 15 business days. The bill prevents courts from reviewing penalty amounts but allows review of whether procedures were followed correctly. It also strengthens whistleblower protections by requiring Special Counsel approval before disciplining employees who report misconduct, affecting VA supervisors and management officials but excluding senior executives and political appointees.

Maddy summaryHR 6876, the "Protecting Children from Foreign Mutilation Act," imposes visa bans on foreign medical professionals or facilities that provide certain gender-affirming treatments to U.S. minors under 18. It targets foreign physicians or clinics performing "chemical or surgical mutilations" (defined as puberty blockers, hormones, or surgeries altering physical sex characteristics for transgender youth), excluding medically necessary care for intersex conditions or injuries. The bill requires the President to revoke visas for qualifying foreign providers and mandates a report to Congress on enforcement within 180 days. It explicitly excludes detransition treatments and medically necessary care for conditions like intersex variations or trauma. The law applies solely to foreign providers, not U.S. healthcare.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires states to include specific safety plans in their highway-rail grade crossing reports. It mandates that states collaborate with railroads, mental health agencies, and law enforcement to address pedestrian fatalities - including suicides - along railroad rights-of-way. States must now submit these updated safety plans every five years, replacing the previous reporting schedule. The bill directly affects state transportation agencies responsible for maintaining grade crossings and coordinating with rail operators. It focuses on concrete reporting changes rather than new funding or enforcement measures.

Essential Caregivers Act of 2025   This bill prohibits certain health care facilities from limiting the access of essential caregivers to residents of those facilities, including during designated emergency periods.   Specifically, the bill generally prohibits Medicare skilled nursing facilities, Medicaid nursing facilities, Medicaid intermediate care facilities, and associated inpatient rehabilitation facilities from restricting the access of essential caregivers to residents of the facilities, including during emergency periods in which visitation rights are otherwise restricted. During emergency periods, facilities may restrict access for an initial period of up to seven days and for one additional maximum seven-day period (if the additional period is approved by the state health department). Facilities may restrict access for a total of 7 days (or 14 days with the approval of the state health department) during an emergency period. Essential caregivers must agree to comply with any safety protocols set by the facility, which may be no more stringent for caregivers compared to those for staff. Caregivers who fail to comply with these requirements may be denied access, subject to an appeals process.